HEALTH ENCYCLOPEDIA

Central Sleep Apnea

What
Is Central Sleep Apnea?

Central sleep apnea is a sleep disorder in which you briefly stop
breathing during sleep. Moments of apnea can occur repeatedly throughout the
night as you sleep. The interruption of your breathing may indicate a problem
with your brain’s signaling. Your brain momentarily "forgets" to tell your
muscles to breathe.

Central sleep apnea isn’t the same as obstructive sleep apnea.
Obstructive sleep apnea is the interruption of breathing due to blocked
airways. People who have central sleep apnea don’t have blockages in their
airways. The problem is in the connection between the brain and the muscles
that control your breath.

Central sleep apnea is much less common than obstructive sleep
apnea. The American
Sleep Apnea Association (ASAA) estimates that central sleep apnea accounts
for about 20 percent of all sleep apnea cases.

Some medications can also cause a type of central sleep apnea
called drug-induced apnea. Opioid drugs are powerful painkillers that can lead
to irregular breathing patterns. In some cases, you may temporarily stop
breathing as part of this irregular pattern.

Drugs that can contribute to central sleep apnea include:

codeine

morphine

oxycodone

If your doctor can’t identify the cause of your central sleep
apnea, then you have idiopathic central sleep apnea.

What
Are the Symptoms of Central Sleep Apnea?

The most common symptom of central sleep apnea is short periods
during sleep when breathing stops. Some people exhibit very shallow breathing
instead of actually stopping breathing. You may wake up feeling short of
breath. The lack of oxygen can cause you to wake up frequently throughout the
night, and can lead to insomnia.

Other symptoms associated with central sleep apnea occur during
the day as a result of an interrupted night’s sleep. You may feel very sleepy
during the day, have trouble concentrating or focusing on tasks, or have a
headache when you wake up.

Central sleep apnea caused by Parkinson’s disease or other
neurological conditions can be characterized by additional symptoms, including:

difficulty swallowing

changes in speech patterns

changes in voice

generalized weakness

How
Is Central Sleep Apnea Diagnosed?

Your doctor will order a sleep study test called a
polysomnography to diagnose central sleep apnea. The test occurs overnight as
you sleep in a special sleep center. During a polysomnography, you’ll wear
electrodes on your head and body to measure your oxygen levels, brain activity,
breathing pattern, heart rate, and lung function.

Your doctor, a neurologist, and sometimes a cardiologist will
monitor you and review the results of your polysomnography. The results can
help determine the underlying cause of your apnea.

A head or spinal MRI scan may also diagnose central sleep apnea.
MRI uses radio waves to generate images of your organs. The test may reveal that
structural abnormalities in your brainstem or spine are causing central sleep
apnea.

What
Are the Treatments for Central Sleep Apnea?

Managing underlying medical conditions is the first line of
treatment for central sleep apnea. Medications can help control congestive
heart failure, Parkinson’s disease, and other heart or nervous system conditions.

You may need to stop using opioid medications if these drugs are
causing your breathing to stop during sleep. Your doctor may also prescribe
medications such as acetazolamide to stimulate your breathing mechanism.

Oxygen supplementation and the regulation of air pressure during
sleep are effective treatments for many people with central sleep apnea.

Continuous Positive Air Pressure (CPAP)

CPAP provides a steady source of pressure in your airways as you
sleep. You wear a mask over your nose and mouth that delivers pressurized air
throughout the night. CPAP treats obstructive sleep apnea, but can also be
beneficial for people with central sleep apnea.

Bi-level Positive Air Pressure (BPAP)

This treatment adjusts the air pressure to a higher level when
you inhale and a lower level when you exhale. BPAP also uses a face mask.

Adaptive Servo-Ventilation (ASV)

ASV monitors your breathing as you sleep. The computerized system
"remembers" your breathing pattern. A pressurized system regulates the
breathing pattern to prevent apnea episodes.

What
Is the Long-Term Outlook?

People with idiopathic central sleep apnea most often respond
well to treatment. The overall benefits of treatment for central sleep apnea
vary according to the exact cause of the condition.

This feature is for informational purposes only and should not be used to replace the care and information received from your health care provider. Please consult a health care professional with any health concerns you may have.